Pet registration fee increase explained

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Warrnambool City Council is now required to contribute an extra $240,000 each year to fund the Warrnambool RSPCA animal shelter each year

This is due to a change in the way the RSPCA has chosen to fund the shelter.

The RSPCA has moved to a full cost recovery model, which means the cost to Council has gone up significantly.

This has resulted in the cost to register cats and dogs in Warrnambool increasing.

“This decision was made by the RSPCA in 2017 and we are beginning to see the impact on pet registration fees now,” Warrnambool City Council Director City Infrastructure Scott Cavanagh said.

“While a portion of the cost is still subsidised by all ratepayers, pet registration fees are the main way we fund the Warrnambool animal shelter.

“Under the previous agreement, Council’s contribution was about $112,000 each year.

“For the 2019-2020 financial year, it will be more than $360,000, an increase of more than 300 per cent.

“While we are disappointed by the decision of the RSPCA that has led to higher pet registration fees for Warrnambool residents, the RSPCA provides an excellent service and has helped to facilitate a lot of positive outcomes for pets, owners and the wider community.

“The RSPCA-Council partnership gives pet owners the best chance of being reunited with their lost pets and for homeless pets to find a new owner.”

A sterilised dog now costs $70 per year to register, compared with $54 last year, while a sterilised cat costs $59, up from $43.

Pensioners are entitled to a 50 per cent discount.

Pet registration is required under Victorian Law.

Council also responds to inquiries from the community about pets, including pets at large.

Council actions relating to cats and dogs are detailed in the table below: